Asa – kurmetti Ministr Nysanbayev, Your Excellency, Ambassador Jun Yamada, 

Ханымдар мен мырзалар, құрметті қонақтар және құрметті қатысушылар -  {Hanymdar men myrzalar, qurmetti qonaqtar jäne qurmetti qatysushylar}, 

I would like to thank you all for joining us today in these important consultations for the low-carbon development of Kazakhstan and attracting finances to achieve the ambitious goals set ahead. 

Today, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture of our history where the world confronts an urgent reality – ever-accelerating impacts of climate change.   

The battle against climate change carries a substantial cost. An analysis conducted by UNFCCC revealed that the financing requirements outlined in the NDCs of 78 countries total approximately US$5.8 trillion through 2030. This translates to an annual average of roughly $600 billion. 

The figure underscores that to facilitate the energy transition we need to get the financing right. This requires bringing public and private sectors together. UNDP provides support to countries in the formulation of national financing strategies to mobilize both public and private capital for climate action. 

This goal aligns well with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This Article lays out essential principles guiding countries for voluntary cooperation through market mechanisms to achieve their climate targets. 

UNDP is actively involved in designing and carrying out projects under Article 6.2 using its Carbon Payment for Development facility (CP4D) globally. CP4D operates with a two-pronged approach: it fosters a deep understanding of carbon finance on political, regulatory, and technical fronts while simultaneously delivering rapid and substantial climate and social benefits on a large scale. 

We are delighted to support the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources in realizing its vision for the development and integration of carbon markets in Kazakhstan. 

In this context, we are proud in observing the advancements in negotiations between Kazakhstan and Japan concerning the initiation of a "Joint Crediting Mechanism" as outlined in Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. This mechanism holds the potential to facilitate the inaugural pilot transfer of greenhouse gas reductions resulting from the execution of green projects, commonly referred to as "Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes" (ITMO).

I hope, this pilot undertaking serves as a compelling incentive for other countries to engage with Kazakhstan in the same manner, and today’s event will serve as a platform for all stakeholders to convene and collectively contribute to shaping Kazakhstan's green future. 

I wish you insightful discussions today! 

Kop rakhmet!